Monday, August 9, 2010

Red pomegranates and white platters upon a white table cloth. The limited color pallet of these paintings allowed me to focus on the space around the subject. Representing the environmental space within a painting does not need to include vast vistas. The relationship between objects needs to be seen within the space around it.

both 8" x 10" oil on board

Shadows from window mullions create the background for this painting. Dried pods from a flowering tree join the pomegranates on the platter.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I have three paintings in a show at the Mislin Gallery in Modesto, CA. This show is showing work from members of the Valley Sun Catchers, a group of plein air painters that strive to capture the essence of the world around us by painting out of doors. Also in this show is three dimensional work from members of the San Joaquin Pottery Guild.

10" x 8" oil on board

This painting of a friends front yard captured my interest because of the red crape myrtle that grew along her driveway. It was such a deep blood red, darker than any I've seen before, I wanted to try to capture it's likeness in paint. The other two paintings I have in the show are of Half Dome in Yosemite.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

As I mentioned before painting among friends is a particular pleasure of mine. Here again is pair of paintings I did during a "Paint Day" a few months back. The floral arrangement that included clusters of an old fashion pink rose with ball shaped blossoms. I planted this rose bush almost nine years ago, this year is the first time I've noticed the shape of the flowers. The wet spring with cooler than usual temperatures metamorphosed this shaggy shrub into one covered with cascades of bubbly pink blooms.

both 8" x 10" oil on board

If there is anything blooming in my yard when a Paint Day comes around I try bring an arrangement to the gathering. Not only for the possible subject matter, but flowers do enhance the festive atmosphere of the day and it is a nice way to say thank you to our host of the day. It seems I have less blooming in the heat of summer than in any other time of year.